I don’t want to say too much about it, so I don’t prejudice your opinion of it, but I can’t resist pointing out one thing.

They explain one help category by saying, “Covering the basic functionality of your device.”

It’s a great example of being formal when you should be informal to be able to reach more people.

Why use the word “functionality”? Why say “your device” instead of “your Kindle Fire”? I do often say “device”, but that’s when I’m including the Kindle reader apps, so I am talking about a lot of different devices: Blackberrys, iPads, Android phones, Kindles, and so on.

I would write that as “How to use your Kindle Fire”. :)

I thought it was great when banks fixed that formality issue with ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). I have talked about it when I’ve spoken to people about program design and business writing.

The ATMs used to end with something like “Do you desire another transaction?”

Now, they say “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

That’s much better…you aren’t going to be graded on your thesis, you want people to understand you. That might be people for whom English is a second language, if they are your customers.

You can use most versions of Microsoft Word to check the reading level of something you’ve written. I tell people that for items that are going to be read by the general public, shoot for the fifth grade. Yes, most people read above that level…but there is a large enough segment of people who don’t who can still use and pay for your services that it is worth including them.

Obviously, that’s not true for all writing in all situations. I’m just talking about general business writing, where anybody might be reading it. If your audience is only chemical engineers or Shakespearean scholars, feel free to add a few syllables. ;)

Well, I just thought you might be interested in helping shape the future of…help. ;)

3 Responses to “Give Amazon feedback on their new Kindle Fire help tool”

I am enjoying my well-priced Kindle Fire very much and think that it has lots of great qualities. The screen gives enough contrast and has large enough type to read without eye strain. It is a great size and weight so that I can easily put it into my purse or tote without trouble. Having access to the Internet at a WIFI place away from home is a big plus. Minor negatives are that I wish the on/off button was at the top instead of the bottom because I’ve accidentally hit it when I didn’t mean to. It is used so much that I have to make sure that it is charged daily. Games are especially draining on the battery.

Amazon was specifically looking for input on their new website that will help people with their Kindle Fires, but it’s always nice for me to hear what people think.

As to the power button: you can rotate the Kindle Fire so that button is on top, if you want. Just as it will convert from portrait (taller than it is wide) to landscape (wider than it is tall), you can just rtteotate it another turn.

You can lock it that way, if you want:

Settings Gear – Locked

Interestingly, the screen you use to wake up the Kindle Fire will still follow the original orientation (although you can still swipe it), but once it wakes up again, it will be the way you want.

Charging a tablet computer like this daily is normal…very different from the RSKs (Reflective Screen Kindles…anything but a Kindle Fire).